Nahki Wells’s efforts in vain against former club Burnley
Nahki Wells continued his goalscoring form but could not prevent Bristol City going down to a 2-1 defeat away to former side Burnley in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday.
After Manuel Benson's early strike put the hosts ahead, Bermuda forward Wells, who had scored four goals in as many games prior to the encounter, found himself in the right place at the right time to prod home an equaliser from close range in 27th minute.
However, Jay Rodriguez headed in a cross from Johann Berg Gudmundsson midway through the second half to put the home side back in front.
Joe Williams and Wells both went close to levelling for a second time for Nigel Pearson's men, only to be denied by Burnley goalkeeper Aro Muric as Burnley held on to secure all three points and narrow the gap to second-placed Norwich City to three points.
City, who have suffered back-to-back defeats on the road after losing 3-2 to Norwich on Wednesday, dropped to ninth in the table.
“We didn't have anywhere near as much possession as the other night, but they are a different type of team,” said City manager Nigel Pearson. “We conceded a goal which we didn't make them work hard enough for, but again we've had our chances.
“We have shown again that we can compete but it's very disappointing not to get any point from either game because I think we've deserved more than that this week.”
Elsewhere, Kole Hall played the entirety of the match as Chester advanced to the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round with a 2-0 victory over Pontefract Collieries.
A second half brace from Kurt Willougby proved enough to see Chester clinch their spot in the next round.
Willie Clemons and his Braintree Town team-mates were forced to settle for a Second Qualifying Round replay after drawing 1-1 with Heybridge Swifts.
Clemons was introduced in the 62nd minute with his trailing to a third minute goal. However, Town managed to force a replay as Matt Rush levelled with just four minutes remaining. The two teams will meet again tomorrow with a place in the next round up for grabs.